Speaking of matters of great import, the contention for the command of the conquest of Xia is undoubtedly the grandest affair in the realm of Qi these recent days.

Jiang Mengxiong, Cao Ji, Chong Xuan Chu Liang, Xiu Yuan – these figures are, without a doubt, the paramount individuals of the current age. Indeed, the modifier “paramount” hardly requires any embellishment.

The contest between them, its gains and losses, extends far beyond a mere position or a portion of influence. On the grand premise of ensuring victory in the war against Xia, it inevitably entwines with history, with the interests of all factions, with the entire political landscape of Qi, and naturally, with the very stratagems of the Qi Emperor on the world stage.

Before such a momentous war as the conquest of Xia, faced with several renowned generals of the era who eagerly sought to lead the charge, the Qi Emperor, with a light and effortless declaration to decide the commander based on military strategies, a casual wave of his hand, stirred tempests and thunder beneath a seemingly calm lake, showcasing the Emperor’s absolute mastery over the game of chess!

Chong Xuan Sheng, his face etched with his usual smile, spoke with a languid air, “The Emperor’s intentions run deep.”

This was the Dingyuan Marquis Manor.

Jiang Wang, who had just returned to Linzi, had been drawn by Chong Xuan Sheng to this very place to delve into these secrets.

At this moment, within the manor’s study, only Chong Xuan Chu Liang, Chong Xuan Sheng, Jiang Wang, and Fourteen were present.

The slightly portly Chong Xuan Chu Liang leaned against the colossal desk of zitan wood, his expression amiable, devoid of any hint of “fierce slaughter.” His eyes were half-closed, half-open, as if nurturing his spirit.

Chong Xuan Sheng and Jiang Wang each pulled up a chair, seating themselves before the desk. Of course, Chong Xuan Sheng’s seat was at least twice as wide as the others.

Due to his physique, Chong Xuan Sheng always had to carry his specially crafted large chair wherever he went, otherwise he would simply stand or sit on the ground. Only when visiting Chong Xuan Chu Liang’s manor was this unnecessary, for here there were always chairs spacious enough for him.

Fourteen, as always, remained concealed within his armor, standing silently behind Chong Xuan Sheng like a statue.

Hearing Chong Xuan Sheng’s remark, Chong Xuan Chu Liang opened his eyes a little wider and inquired, “What deep meaning?”

“Hahaha ha.” Chong Xuan Sheng burst into happy laughter, “Uncle, pray be at ease, I shall not speak nonsense.”

Others were drums that required a heavy mallet to sound, but he was a drum that, upon seeing your shoulder move, before you even lifted your hand, had already resounded on its own.

Jiang Wang pondered silently, offering no words.

Chong Xuan Sheng then inquired, “How did those various military strategies fare?”

Chong Xuan Chu Liang finally found it impossible to argue too much with this fellow.

He thought for a moment,

and said, “At that time, the Emperor decreed that all submit their military strategies two days hence. The commander candidate was to be decided by their military prowess. The Grand Marshal of the State, before the Emperor, drew upon the air as a map, conjured the void as mountains, rivers, troops, and weapons… and performed a military strategy presentation.”

“The matter of conquering Xia, the God of War naturally had plans in place long ago.” Chong Xuan Sheng remarked thoughtfully, “One would think this military strategy is flawless.”

Chong Xuan Chu Liang sighed, “The God of War’s deployment of troops is indeed unmatched in the world. Which renowned general in the realm does not harbor thoughts of the Xia country, which one has not pondered strategies for its conquest? But the God of War’s military strategy, its strategy and schemes are all-encompassing and overwhelming, its situation overwhelmingly victorious, truly invincible!”

Chong Xuan Sheng’s eyes gleamed, “How I regret not being able to witness it once!”

Chong Xuan Chu Liang looked at him, “What are you thinking? Is this something you can simply witness?”

Jiang Mengxiong’s strategy for conquering Xia was naturally the highest secret of the Qi realm. At that time, when the strategy was presented, only those few individuals in the Government Affairs Hall and Military Affairs Hall were privy to it. Chong Xuan Chu Liang, of course, would never commit such a blunder as to recount it to Chong Xuan Sheng.

“This is before you, there’s no need to hide one’s curiosity, right?” Chong Xuan Sheng grinned, “Before outsiders, I am not like this.”

Ever since that one time Chong Xuan Chu Liang drew his sword against the God of War for him, before Chong Xuan Chu Liang, he no longer maintained such a cautious and prudent demeanor. One might even say… he was a little presumptuous.

Chong Xuan Chu Liang also did not know whether this was a good thing or a bad thing. Sometimes he felt a sense of relief, at other times he felt quite vexed.

He simply remained silent.

Chong Xuan Sheng sank completely into the soft cushions of the large chair, sitting without any proper posture, and asked with a smile, “What about Commander Cao?”

Who would have imagined that the dignified and formidable “Fierce Slaughter” possessed such good temper, such patience, almost answering every question? “Commander Cao also prepared his strategy for the conquest of Xia long ago, but he did not present it at that time. Instead, he waited until the following day, and directly dragged ten boxes into the palace, containing maps, formation diagrams, grain and fodder budgets, weapon comparisons, the consumption of Dao Origin Stones… various materials, even including the local gazetteers of various regions in the Xia country… He lectured on his military strategy for a full day and night.”

“Understood.” Chong Xuan Sheng waved his hand, “Your familiar environment advantage is also gone.”

Chong Xuan Chu Liang also shook his head in self-deprecation, “There’s nothing to be done about that. The completeness of Commander Cao’s military strategy is truly awe-inspiring. The ever-changing battlefield situations were all within his grasp. I can only feel a sense of shame and inadequacy.”

“Ah!” Chong Xuan Sheng suddenly sighed, “There are too many talented individuals in the older generation. When will it be the day when young talents like myself can emerge?”

Chong Xuan Chu Liang chuckled and chided, “You first achieve the God Presence, then speak of emerging, young talent!”

“Hasty eating leads to no hot tofu.” Chong Xuan Sheng had obtained the answer he desired, so he changed the topic, “What about Commander Xiu? How was his military strategy? Although he had no opportunity, he is very familiar with our Jiang Wang. I imagine Lord Jiang is very curious.”

He specifically looked at Jiang Wang, “Isn’t that so?”

Jiang Wang merely rolled his eyes, remaining silent. He was completely ignorant of military strategies and had no right to speak on court affairs. He adhered to the principle of simply bringing a pair of ears, listening and learning, and that was that.

From his current perspective, he could clearly see a painting hanging behind Chong Xuan Chu Liang, radiating with killing aura. The painting depicted two martial generals, one with a saber and one with a spear, breaking through a formation side by side. The painting style was extremely fierce, outlining the killing aura that crisscrossed with just a few strokes. It was inscribed with “Famous Saber Breaking Array,” and signed “Gu Han.”

He thought, who was Gu Han? The painting appeared to be of a renowned level, yet he could not recall who this person was… perhaps he had not achieved widespread fame.

Of course, his ears did not miss Chong Xuan Chu Liang’s answer.

Chong Xuan Chu Liang said, “Xiu Yuan worked through the night, targeting the Xia country, and formulated a military strategy. It was extremely meticulous and can also be considered a first-class military strategy.”

Jiang Wang thought to himself, it seems the military strategy of the Prisoner Electricity Army Commander did not entirely convince the Dingyuan Marquis.

Chong Xuan Sheng, however, laughed at this point, “I think Uncle’s military strategy was the most straightforward!”

The military strategies submitted by those several great commanders to the Emperor were the highest secrets of the empire, yet Chong Xuan Sheng wore an air of having everything figured out.

Chong Xuan Chu Liang looked at him with calm eyes, “Then tell me, what military strategy did I write?”

Jiang Wang was also quite curious.

“The God of War’s deployment of troops is unmatched in the world, Commander Cao’s military strategy is flawless, and Commander Xiu is also a master of military tactics. Uncle, to win the position of commander, there were no other avenues…”

Chong Xuan Sheng slowly sat up a little straighter, “Nothing more than setting a military order! Either saying extinguish Xia in five months, or saying extinguish Xia in four months. To show the Emperor that you can end this war in the shortest time, leaving the realm with no past worries and no future troubles. This is the only winning chance in this commander contention, and Uncle is precisely the sharpest figure in Qi, one who will not miss this winning chance, and even less fear such a challenge!”

Chong Xuan Chu Liang laughed, his smile remarkably similar to Chong Xuan Sheng’s.

The same warmth and gentleness, the same harmlessness to humans and animals.

But he raised three fingers.

“Three months.”

He said, “The agreement I made with the Emperor is to extinguish Xia in three months. If, after three months, the world still has a Xia country, I am willing to reduce my title to a mere prisoner and proceed to the execution platform.”

His tone was calm.

But Jiang Wang was momentarily struck speechless!

Moreover, this was not to mention the determination required for a figure of true power, standing at the highest level of a contemporary dominant nation, to abandon a lifetime of accumulated prestige. Simply put, the sharp edge embodied by this three-month ultimatum to extinguish Xia was truly unmatched in the world!

The Xia country may not be the nominally existing Sunrise Nine Countries it once was; it once spanned the Southeast and Eastern domains, possessing the qualification to contend for world hegemony. Although now in decline, it is still a centipede that dies but remains unyielding. That year, after the Qi-Xia war, the era name was changed to Shenwu and has been used ever since, demonstrating that their ambition has not been extinguished, and the humiliation has not been forgotten. In recent years, they have also been sharpening their soldiers and feeding their horses, not a day has passed without effort, and they have gradually recovered some of their former strength.

Looking at the renowned generals of the world, how many would dare to say they could extinguish it in just three months?

Yet, Chong Xuan Chu Liang dared to set such a military order!

Chong Xuan Sheng also grew solemn. He knew that his uncle’s fearsome reputation was renowned among the realms, that his sharp edge was inherent, yet he had still underestimated the sharpness of the Life-Cutting Saber! Extinguishing Xia in five months and extinguishing it in four months were not the same difficulty. Extinguishing it in four months and extinguishing it in three months – the difficulty more than doubled!

“Uncle feels…” Chong Xuan Sheng said, “The Emperor will appoint you as commander?”

Chong Xuan Chu Liang lightly laughed, “Who knows? The Heavenly Heart is difficult to predict. I can only give my utmost effort, and then await the Emperor’s choice!”

The more one understood the Qi realm, the closer one came to these paramount figures of the present age, the more one could comprehend the majesty of the Qi Emperor.

Known as the Great Qi God of War, foremost in the use of troops, foremost in fist strength, Jiang Mengxiong; numbered as the “world’s best warrior,” Cao Ji; known as “Fierce Slaughter,” with an unparalleled sharp military edge, Chong Xuan Chu Liang; as well as the master of military tactics, “a great man must travel far,” Xiu Yuan…

So many brilliant figures.

All had to await the Qi Emperor’s decision, all had to submit to the Qi Emperor’s will.

The three hundred li giant city of Linzi, the tens of thousands of li of Eastern Domain territory, as well as the islands near the sea, as well as the bewildering realms, as well as the Ten Thousand Demons Gate behind, as well as the entire world!

The will of the Qi Emperor, Jiang Shu, simply stood at the highest point of the present world.

A single word could cause mountains to crumble, a single word could cause rivers to tilt, a single word could lead to the extinction of a realm.

The eight wastes and six harmonies, the four directions of the universe.

With a raised hand, heaven and earth would open wide; with a covering hand, wind and thunder would be stirred.

Even a top figure like Chong Xuan Chu Liang could only utter one sentence: the Heavenly Heart is difficult to predict!

And Jiang Wang, who had multiple audiences with the Qi Emperor, how could he not feel the profoundness of this?

At this moment, within the study of the Dingyuan Marquis, the three figures present remained silent, in a kind of unspoken understanding, sensing that high and unfathomable majesty.

“Speaking of which…” Chong Xuan Sheng suddenly said, “The war in the Yang realm still feels fresh in memory, time passes truly swiftly.”

Jiang Wang understood why Chong Xuan Sheng had this sentiment.

The extermination war of the Yang realm in the year 3918 of the Dao Calendar was precisely the turning point in Chong Xuan Sheng’s contention for the position of Chong Xuan clan head.

From a foolish fat young master with little hope to a figure who could stand against Chong Xuan Zun, dividing the court and vying for the head of the Chong Xuan family, Chong Xuan Sheng only required one war.

Thereafter, with the generous gift of the Qiu Mountain Bow to Li Longchuan, seeking a single sentence from the East Hua Academician, having an audience with the Emperor, a single sentence of “respect and love for my elder brother’s heart” that sent Chong Xuan Zun into the Jixia Academy, and then in the struggle against Wang Yiwu, almost sweeping away Chong Xuan Zun’s forces… all relied on the capital earned in the Qi-Yang war.

In that war, he and Jiang Wang fought shoulder to shoulder, killing Song Guang, the Governor of Rizhao County in the Yang realm, dispersing the local war soldiers, allowing the Autumn Kill Army to advance to Chibei without worries. Again, in the Chibei war, they personally led the charge, the two of them enveloped in the army array, joining hands to chop down generals and seize flags, bringing a tragic end to the old general Ji Cheng.

One event after another, one incident after another, now thinking about it, it truly felt like it had just happened yesterday.

And this time, in the Qi-Xia war, Chong Xuan Zun had also already confirmed his participation.

In the period that had already passed, Chong Xuan Sheng, through a series of meticulously crafted strategies, had displayed his superhuman intelligence. While Chong Xuan Zun, through the Grand Master ritual, the Yellow River meeting, and the journey through the bewildering realms, had shown a personal strength that seized the splendor of all his contemporaries.

At the same time, Chong Xuan Sheng himself was also a cultivator of extraordinary talent, and Chong Xuan Zun himself possessed extraordinary intelligence.

The entanglement between the Marquis’s descendants, on some level, was also a standoff between two exceptional talents.

With the current world situation, it would be very difficult for an opportunity similar to this Qi-Xia war to arise again in the future. At least during the lifetime of the old Marquis Chong Xuan Yunbo, there would likely be no more.

Given the significant meaning of the conquest of Xia, this war would greatly influence the entire Qi realm, and naturally concerned all the people, great and small… In other words, the final winning hand in this contention for the Chong Xuan clan head position was very likely to occur during this war.

Descendants of a military family, ultimately, had to speak with battlefield achievements.

Thus, even the not easily emotional Chong Xuan Sheng could only sigh in this manner!

The position of Chong Xuan family head held extraordinary meaning for Chong Xuan Sheng.

From the identity of a largely neglected, so-called descendant of a family sinner, he had observed words and colors, lived cautiously and prudently for so many years, seized an opportunity that was not truly an opportunity, and sat at the same chessboard with Chong Xuan Zun, who was born a favored son of heaven.

Contending move by move, fighting breath by breath.

From the Tianfu secret realm to the Qi-Yang war to the Juba Commerce to Wang Yiwu… every step was walked with immense difficulty!

After all, Chong Xuan Zun was a figure valued by the ancestor of the Taixu Sect since childhood. Yu Beidou, the foremost figure in calculating power in the world of True Persons, merely glanced at him and said that he had seized the splendor of all his contemporaries.

Once, venturing out to sea, he coincidentally encountered the Blood River True Monarch, who also took pleasure in the hunt and wished to take him as a true successor.

Such a figure was completely the destined protagonist of a storytelling tale. Whoever sat opposite him would find it very difficult to have a winning chance.

And Chong Xuan Sheng had actually turned back step by step from a complete disadvantage, at one point even superficially suppressing Chong Xuan Zun!

Now, Chong Xuan Zun had also launched a full counterattack, and it could also be said that they maintained a situation of equal shares.

But when initially the several elders of the Chong Xuan family intended to suppress Chong Xuan Zun, they merely gave Chong Xuan Sheng a little opportunity. Who could have imagined that he could achieve this much?

Chong Xuan Sheng, from a young age, did not understand why he suffered all the cold eyes. He did not understand why he was clearly also a direct descendant young master of the Chong Xuan clan, yet received no one’s respect. He did not understand why his father was clearly a contemporary True Person, an outstanding figure, yet after his death, even his name was a taboo.

If he could, he did not want to be a smart person from a young age.

With the talent he had displayed, even leaving the Chong Xuan family, his future would still be greatly promising. But he needed that position of family head, to prove his silent efforts over those years!

When deliberately tripped, he would simply lie down, wait for the person to leave, and then climb back up.

He no longer wanted to ask why.

But he wanted to let people know—

It could not be like this.